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blumenwe wrote:

Are there areas where it is safer to use an ATM?  Is there a better way to withdraw cash?

Dear Blumen,

Welcome to the Ecuador forum.

I consider the major shopping malls including QuiCentro to be the best places to tap ATMs safely.  MegaMaxi 6 de Diciembre is another great place, especially on the upper MegaMaxi level.

If you must use an outdoor ATM location, best to take the cash at a place where an armed guard is standing by.

A better way to withdraw cash? 

1.  Don't go alone if it's more than an average amount.

2.  Keep your eyes open for possible communication between someone in the bank and an accomplice, and go elsewhere if you're suspicious. 

3.  Have a bank check drawn instead of cash. 

4.  Distribute your cash into multiple pockets, etc. 

5.  See if you can make a deposit directly into the bank account of the merchant or individual with whom you are doing business.

You may be interested in the ´ó¿§¸£ÀûÓ°Ôº Ecuador thread titled "Robbed in Broad Daylight..."  The link is:

/forum/viewtopic.php?id=443074

cccmedia in Quito

blumenwe wrote:

I do know about a few of the the things to watch like, take a cab at night, expat pricing, be aware of the bird poop scam.  Others?

Here are a couple more scams....

1.  A Gringo approaches you in Mariscal sector .. claims his passport and money were just stolen .. could you give him $50 so he can have a place to stay for the night and something for a meal?

2.  You board the Ecovía-line bus at a crowded time.  One or two people brush up against you fuertemente.  Eventually, you discover your wallet, camera, phone or sunglasses are missing.

cccmedia in Quito

blumenwe wrote:

I am looking for tips on what to watch out for, what areas to stay away from....

Areas in Ecuador to avoid for safety reasons ....

-- Colombia border regions esp. areas with State Department warnings

-- Guayaquil

-- South Quito (south of El Centro)

-- As a pedestrian, the road up to El Panecillo statue in Quito

-- At night, any poorly lit and/or deserted streets

-- Lago Agrio and surrounding areas

-- Places with recently-active volcanoes, including Latacunga and Baños

cccmedia in Quito

les64 wrote:

My bank said NEVER use a free standing independent ATM, only use one that is attached to the bank building and accessed from the rear, inside the bank. 
Apparently this type of theft is common worldwide.

Great post, Les.  Great advice.  Thank you.

cccmedia in Quito

wendy-adventurousretirement wrote:

Thank you for all of your insights.  We are staying at 6 Diciembre and Jorge Washington in an apartment.  I believe that is South Quito.  Is that right?  Any advice for walking from there to get around Quito since you say South Quito is not safe?

Your apartment is at the eastern edge of Mariscal -- the famous Gringo-friendly sector -- not at all what is referred to as 'South Quito.'

You have an Ecovía bus stop right nearby .. which can take you a few stops north to other parts of Mariscal. 

Even closer .. there are plenty of shops, restaurants and other places within walking distance of where you are staying right now.  Walk west on Jorge Washington to Avenida (Río) Amazonas, then turn right.  Or visit the heart of Gringolandia -- Plaza Foch -- loaded with eateries of many countries, sports bars, hair and massage ±è±ð±ô³Ü±ç³Ü±ð°ùí²¹²õ, indoor/outdoor coffee shops, video stores and more .. all within a block or two of the plaza.

cccmedia in Quito

wendy-adventurousretirement wrote:

The Ecovia bus line sounded like one to stay away from.  Right?  Or is it just at rush hour and lunch time when we must stay away from it?

The Ecovía line can be crowded at almost any time except Sundays.

You don't need to avoid the line as there is little chance of serious violence.  However, it's a Gringo-target zone -- I was pickpocketed last December and January -- so be extra vigilant with protecting your money, phone, sunglasses, etc. 

In particular, protect your 'money pockets' getting on or off the bus.  Galo Plaza stop, a rare transfer station, is particularly notorious IMO.

If you're worried, just take licensed taxis.  As you may have noticed, they're plentiful on 6 de Diciembre.

cccmedia in Quito

crsR66 wrote:

Avoid the squeeze zone at the doors of the bus.  Pick pockets stay there as they want a quick get away.  Also can just take a taxi during crowded times.

Excellent post, Sixty-Six.  Bus "squeeze zones" are the only places in Quito where I've had a problem in years -- lost a cheap cell phone and a pair of sunglasses to pickpockets in those "zones" last December and January, respectively.

These few words "just take a taxi during crowded times" are an excellent suggestion.

Simply by using Easy Taxi where available .. and checking that a taxi has proper markings -- meaning numbering and plates -- you can reduce the possibility of taxi problems.

Taxi fares are just a couple of bucks within Mariscal during the daytime .. and reasonable at all hours, although the taxistas have generally gone back to turning off their meters after 8 or 9 at night, so a little negotiation may be necessary then.

Bring plenty of small change when possible as about 20 percent of the drivers claim not to have change and you may end up overpaying if you don't have small bills or monedas to cover the fare precisely.

cccmedia in Quito